Prebiotic And Probiotic Side Effects
Because probiotics work to make your digestive system more effective, some people do notice increased gas and bloating when first increasing consumption. You may want to ease into increasing your probiotic intake slowly and pay attention to any side effects.
There can also be risks for patients with compromised immune systems so you may want to consult with your doctor before starting any supplements.
Otherwise, however, negative effects tend to be rare. A 2016 paper in the journal Nutrients concluded that both prebiotics and probiotics have a relatively low capacity to cause adverse effects.
Improving Gut Health After Antibiotics
There is increasing clinical evidence that taking probiotics during and after antibiotic use can decrease the risk of invasion by opportunistic pathogens and development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea1820. However, further research is still needed in this area and it is likely that different strains of probiotics have different levels of efficacy.
Although it is likely probiotics can protect against the invasion of opportunistic pathogens, a recent small study observed that probiotics may also inhibit the return of the native gut microbiota21. The study found it took longer for the native gut microbiota to return in individuals who consumed probiotics for 28 days following antibiotic use compared to individuals who did not take probiotics. Therefore, it appears there are both positive and negative factors to consider when deciding to take probiotics to help the gut microbiome recover from antibiotics.
A good general strategy to improve gut health is to make sure you feed your gut microbiome foods that will allow your beneficial resident microbiota to grow back. This means eating a wide variety of foods that are high in fibre and plant polyphenols such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains22.
This microbiome test is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions. A full disclaimer is available here.
References
Add Fermented Foods To Your Diet
If you want to learn how to restore healthy gut flora, it all starts with fermentation. Fermented foods are naturally high in beneficial bacteria, and eating them helps to repopulate your gut after antibiotics.
As noted above, antibiotic usage can also cause an increase in harmful bacteria in your digestive tract. If you want to learn how to get rid of bad bacteria in your gut, studies have shown that fermented foods like yoghurt actually help to eliminate harmful bacteria while increasing beneficial bacteria.
Other fermented foods to try include:
Read Also: Can You Cure A Yeast Infection With Antibiotics
When Should You Take Probiotics With Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics gradually decreases the natural friendly bacteria gut which can result in less-than-ideal digestive issues, like not fully breaking down waste.
This can cause you to have diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain and cause a rapid decline in energy levels. The goal is to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, where many trillions of bacteria live peacefully with each other.
Studies have shown that taking probiotics at the same time while youre taking antibiotics can act as a counterbalance in the gut microbiome. Probiotics increase the beneficial bacteria and lessen the side effects of taking antibiotics.
Many pharmacists are already recommending people to take it together or eat more foods that replenish the good bacteria if they have been prescribed antibiotics.
Taking probiotics wont ruin the efficacy of your antibiotics, however you might want to make sure that your probiotics are suited to do the job.
Dont Miss: How To Treat Diarrhea From Antibiotics
Probiotics Contain Good Gut Bacteria
Probiotics are foods, typically yoghurts and yoghurt drinks, that contain good gut bacteria: live microorganisms that can recolonise the gut or improve your gut health.
To be called a probiotic, they must be able to resist stomach acid and digestive processes, and then be able adhere to the gut walls and grow, while not causing any issues for the gut wall. They must also be tested for safety and efficacy in controlled trials.
Read more:Plain, Greek, low-fat? How to choose a healthy yoghurt
To be called a probiotic, the dose of microorganisms needs to be sufficient to help restore the good bacteria, by elbowing out the bad bacteria.
Most yoghurts contain good bacteria but not all can survive the acidity of the stomach acid or the bacteria wont grow in the bowel, so there is no probiotic benefit.
For probiotics to exert these beneficial effects, they not only have to make it to the large bowel, but once there they need the right fuel to help them grow well. Thats where prebiotics come into play but more on them shortly.
You May Like: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Sinus Infection
How Soon After Antibiotics Can You Take Probiotics
Once a day, about 4 hours after taking an antibiotic, I took a Synbiotic 365 pill.
You can take S. boulardii at the same time as your antibiotics because S. Boulardii is a probiotic yeastand probiotic yeast are unharmed by antibiotics .
Each course of antibiotics I will take Synbiotic 365 as well as a S. Boulardii.
I used to think that pure Saccharomyces boulardii was the best way to go. But, looking deeper into it, I think the research better supports taking a broad spectrum probiotic like Synbiotic 365 which also has Saccharomyces boulardii. Ill keep an eye on the research and maybe well get a definitive answer on the best probiotic combination to take with antibiotics.
When Should I Take Probiotics When Taking Antibiotics
Generally, with a few exceptions aside, it is best to take our probiotic supplements in the morning with breakfast. If you are taking a probiotic containing the strains Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94, you would still be able to follow this recommendation alongside antibiotics and take both with your brekkie.
However, if you are taking different strains, it is best to give a 2 hour gap between antibiotics and taking the probiotic supplement. So, if you have been instructed by your doctor to take your antibiotics with breakfast, you would take the medication first in this instance and leave a 2 hour gap before taking the other probiotics. Its a good idea to take our supplements with food, so in this case, with your lunch or a mid-morning snack.
Read Also: What Is The Best Antibiotic To Treat Bronchitis
Why Bacterial Balance Matters
The gut helps your body carry out essential functions. And thats putting it lightly! Its key when it comes to nutrient absorption and energy production after all, most of our nutrients come directly from our diet!
Your gut can even affect your mood and brain health. Add to that, the fact that 70% of your immune system lives in the GI tract, and you know its an important part of immune health, as well.
To put it simply, your gut is the gateway to almost every part of your body, so keeping it healthy is a HUGE priority. And one of the best ways to support a healthy gut is by promoting bacteria balance.
Important Tips For Supporting General Health Whilst On Antibiotics
- Eat fermented or prebioticfoods. These can help rebalance the gut microbiome and optimise gut health after a course of antibiotics.
- Avoid refined sugary foods, as these feed the harmful bacteria and yeasts which often overgrow due to antibiotic use.
- Avoid alcohol, even if not contraindicated with your course of antibiotics. Alcohol can also disrupt the gut microbiome and negatively impact immune function, which may hinder your body’s efforts to fight infection.
- Ensure you complete your course of antibiotics. Unpleasant side effects can make it difficult to continue taking antibiotics but failing to complete the course can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Eat a healthy diet. Don’t let the antibiotics do all the work – include a selection of immune-boosting foods containing vitamin C and other antioxidants, including citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables.
You May Like: How To Overcome Antibiotic Resistance
Knowing The Answer Can Protect Your Gut
You may have wondered whether or not you should take probiotics after antibiotics. Perhaps youve read about this strategy or maybe your doctor recommended it. Either way, do you really know everything about the supplements youre taking? Should you even take them in supplement form, or is food better? Read on to learn more about probiotics and antibiotics.
Addressing Some Specific Claims
A few things before I dive in:
- First, my goal here is not to try to take anyone down. I simply want to focus on the evidence. Dr Ruscio has a great deal of clinical experience helping people with gut issues, and just because I disagree with him on the evidence here does not mean that he doesnt produce plenty of valuable content related to gut health. I have referred to his site many times and hope that we can have an open and respectful discussion about this research.
- Second, I am always willing to consider new evidence, even if it directly contradicts what Ive said before. Ive been quite transparent about major paradigm shifts in the past related to the optimal stool testing methodologies and whether SIBO breath tests are all they are cracked up to be. At the same time, Im equally willing to defend my position if I believe the evidence still supports it.
With that said, lets look at the major claims in the Ruscio article:
1) Probiotics make antibiotics more effective
Rather than canceling each other out, research shows that taking probiotics and antibiotics together is more effective than taking antibiotics alone. This is absolutely true in some instances. Probiotics, especially strains of Saccharomyces var. boulardii, have been shown to improve eradication rates of H. pylori. They may also be effective for eradicating Blastocystis.
There is also research to show that probiotics and antibiotics are more effective together for SIBO and other gut infections , , .
Recommended Reading: Antibiotics Used To Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Tips For Taking Prebiotics Powder
Many people take prebiotics to help reduce bloating, gas, and stomach upsets. Because they help promote the growth of good bacteria, they may help make your digestive system stronger. And, this can help with digestive issues like bloating.
When choosing your prebiotic supplement or powder, its important that you look for a natural supplement that is made in the USA in a federally inspected facility. I opt for non-GMO products because I trust the quality. And, for health reasons, I look for things that are gluten-free with low or no added sugar.
You may want to consider a gut reset.
Difference between prebiotics and probiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics are not the same things. And, the best thing to do is to take a prebiotic and probiotic combination. To put it simply, probiotics are the good bacteria that your gut needs to work right. Prebiotics are the food they need to keep working. So, you can see why its best to take the two together.
You May Like: Diarrhea Pregnancy Medicine
Pros And Cons Of Probiotics
The assumption that there is little downside to taking probiotics was challenged in a recent Israeli study.
The participants were given antibiotics and split into two groups: the first group was given an 11-strain probiotic preparation for four weeks the second was given a placebo, or dummy pill.
The researchers found the antibiotic damage to the gut bacteria of those in the first group allowed the probiotic strains to effectively colonise the gut. But this colonisation delayed the normal recovery of the microbiota, which remained perturbed for the entire six month study period.
In contrast, the microbiota of the second group returned to normal within three weeks of finishing antibiotics.
This research exposes a perhaps unexpected truth: we still dont know what types of bacteria are truly beneficial or even what constitutes a healthy microbiome.
The answer is unlikely to be that individual bacterial strains are particularly helpful.
Its more likely a diverse community of thousands of different types of microbes working together can provide health benefits. This microbial community is as individual as each one of us, meaning there is not just one configuration that will result in health or illness.
So, its unlikely that the addition of one or even 11 strains of bacteria in a probiotic could somehow balance this complex system.
You May Like: How Long Between Antibiotics And Probiotics
Don’t Miss: How To Cure Strep Throat Without Antibiotics
Consume Fermented Foods While Taking Antibiotics
Many fermented foods contain probiotics and can help to restore normal gut flora that has been disrupted by antibiotics. Here are a few of the best probiotic-foods.
Yogurt. You can eat raw yogurt when taking antibiotics because it contains strains of healthy bacteria. One study found that people who consume yogurt have more Bifidobacterium in their gut. Other studies have shown that raw yogurt containing Lactobacillus casei can positively influence gastrointestinal health. Yogurt is also one of the best foods for treating yeast infection.
Some studies seem to indicate that calcium-enriched foods may inhibit the absorption of certain medications. However, this has not been proved with calcium-rich dairy products when taking moxifloxacin.
Kefir. This is a fermented milk drink that contains many types of good gut bacteria. Several studies have shown that kefir has antimicrobial, antitumor and anticarcinogenic activity. Consuming kefir can also boost your immune system and improve lactose digestion.
Kimchi. Another probiotic food you can take after antibiotics is kimchi. Kimchi is made by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Studies have shown that kimchi contains probiotic properties that have a positive effect on your gut health and immune system.
Taking Probiotics During And After A Course Of Antibiotics
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat serious bacterial infections that can sometimes be life-threatening. There are some unpleasant side effects of taking antibiotics that include gastrointestinal upset, yeast infections, and rashes.
The Yonsei Medical Journal reports that antibiotics upset the intestinal microbiota and can cause antibiotic-associated diseases. The most common side effect of taking antibiotics is diarrhea.
Other studies into the effect of antibiotics on gut health have shown that taking antibiotics can cause Clostridium difficile infections that can cause inflammation of the colon. Research has also found that interfering with the gut microflora can also impact the immune system and put you at risk of further infection.
Scientific research shows why you should take probiotics after taking antibiotics. For example, a systematic review of 20 trials found that probiotics can help to prevent C. diff. infections that cause diarrhea.
Another review of clinical trials involving more than 3,400 children found that various probiotic strains can help to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.
One study found that the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 was effective in reducing and preventing diarrhea in people taking antibiotics. Taking 2 probiotic supplements 2 times a day for 4 weeks helped to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Read Also: What Is The Best Antibiotic For Oral Infection
How To Take Probiotics With Antibiotics
Probiotics are often recommended by doctors to be taken a few hours following an antibiotic. The two prescriptions may otherwise cancel each other out. Some physicians advise waiting a few days after your antibiotic treatment is finished before starting probiotics.
Similarly, When taking antibiotics when should I take probiotics?
Many firms advocate waiting 1 or 2 hours after taking antibiotics before taking probiotics as a general rule. Enough helpful bacteria reach the stomach alive after this period of time.
Also, it is asked, Can you take probiotic and antibiotic at the same time?
The antibiotic may destroy the healthy bacteria in the probiotic if taken combined, Dr. Hoberman adds. The probiotic or antibiotic level in the intestines is low after two hours. It doesnt matter which one is taken first as long as they are separated by two hours.
Secondly, How far apart should I take probiotics and antibiotics?
Probiotics are often recommended by doctors to be taken a few hours following an antibiotic. The two prescriptions may otherwise cancel each other out. Some physicians advise waiting a few days after your antibiotic treatment is finished before starting probiotics.
Also, Do you take a probiotic before or after an antibiotic?
People also ask, How do I protect my gut when taking antibiotics?
Related Questions and Answers
What Are The Side Effects Of Probiotics
What are the risks of taking probiotics? Although probiotics are freely available to purchase without prescription or full regulation, there are risks associated with them. Hospitalised patients are increasingly are increasingly being treated with probiotics, but there are now reports of patients in intensive care becoming seriously ill with the same strain of bacteria found in the probiotics . While for most people who have a healthy immune system, this risk is low, it highlights the need for greater understanding about possible risks and benefits.
Don’t Miss: What Antibiotics Are Used To Treat Ear Infections
Why Does Your Microbiota Matter
Disturbances of the microbiota have the potential to affect the development of several autoimmune, inflammatory and allergic diseases . Asthma has been linked with childhood antibiotics . Long term risk of inflammatory bowel disease and effects on metabolic profiles leading to obesity have been observed post antibiotic disturbances to the gut microbiota .
What Can I Do After Antibiotics To Help Build Gut Health Again
Im not going to reinvent that wheel here, but I would like to say that because antibiotics harm the guts flora, not the gut lining necessarily , taking probiotics and eating fermented foods are the most important steps to repair any damage from the medicine. Just beware the dangers of soil based probiotics. They are not the same thing!
The antibiotics are going to wipe out both good and bad bacteria in your gut, so you need to replenish it with the good guys, lest the bad guys take hold.
Also Check: Does Canned Sauerkraut Have Probiotics
You May Like: Best Antibiotic For Streptococcus Pneumoniae
